Easy Chicken in Tomato Sauce – A 30 Minute One Pan Meal

This Easy Chicken in Tomato Sauce recipe is fast, fresh and healthy! Juicy seared chicken breasts covered with tomato sauce…with just a touch of cream to make it silky and delicious!

Chicken breasts do not have to be boring…I repeat, not boring! We eat so much chicken around here I’m surprised we don’t grow feathers and cluck. But it’s lean, quick cooking and a canvas for just about anything!

This is one of our favorite week night meals. We use canned tomatoes, which you probably already have in your pantry and serve it along side a bit of spaghetti or rice.

I was feeling skinny and decided to use a bit of cream. 1/8 of a cup is all it takes. We used heavy cream but half and half will do the trick. Or just omit entirely and go basic. Either way, you are going to love this easy ONE PAN MEAL!

How to make Easy Chicken in Tomato Sauce:

Sear your chicken using my quick method. Rub the oil right on the chicken rather than pour excess oil into the pan. Much less splatter and less fat in the pan.

The trick to perfectly seared chicken is to NOT TOUCH IT until it is ready. It will tell you when it’s time, chicken is so smart. If you try to turn it and it sticks.. it’s not ready. Pretty simple. Once you try this technique you will never go back to adding oil directly to the pan.

Remove the chicken after searing. It will not be completely cooked but will continue it’s journey in the tomato sauce.

Now add a tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet to saute your onion and garlic. Add your tomato puree and roasted red tomatoes and bring to a simmer.

Once your tomato sauce has been simmering for a bit, add your Italian herbs, salt ,pepper and that bit of cream. Taste for seasoning! Salt? Pepper? It will vary based on how much salt your canned tomatoes have…so tasting is the only way!

Place your seared partially cooked chicken back in the skillet to finish cooking. Chicken is perfect at 165 degrees. If you don’t have a digital thermometer put it on your list of must haves! It’s cheap and cheerful and will help you from overcooking all chicken, steak and fish.

We like to serve this with a side of spaghetti or rice and a simple side salad.

We have been making this dish for years and have yet to get tired of it!

Prepare pasta or rice according to package directions and serve with sauce and chicken. Sprinkle with grated parmesan if desired.

Recipe Notes

Use our easy method to sear chicken breasts.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Chicken in Tomato Sauce

Amount Per Serving

Calories 287Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Cholesterol 82mg27%

Sodium 76mg3%

Potassium 319mg9%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 220IU4%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 42mg4%

Iron 1.3mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This postmay contain affiliate links, which means I might receive a very small commission, at no additional cost to you,should you chose to purchase that linked item.I only link to items I know and trust. Clink!

Ha, I love the phrase “cheap and cheerful” that you used to describe a kitchen tool. LOL And the chicken looks amazing. I am pinning this one for the next time I find myself staring at chicken breasts and wondering what the heck I should make

This looks like the easiest and tastiest weeknight dinner ever. I love having options like this for busy weekdays when I’m doing a ton of driving! And that’s pretty much every night. Can’t wait to try it